In 1984, Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore had a chance encounter with George Harrison, leading to an unforgettable moment on stage.
Though Deep Purple rose to prominence shortly before The Beatles broke up, Blackmore and Harrison’s paths rarely crossed.
However, during a gig in Australia, the two legendary musicians shared the stage, an event that left a lasting impression on Blackmore.
Blackmore, known for his cheeky sense of humor, recounted the moment in his YouTube series, jokingly claiming that Harrison once asked him to join The Beatles.
“I’d never heard of them, and I knew they were going nowhere, so I said, ‘No, absolutely not,’” he said, clearly in jest. But the lighthearted banter soon gave way to a sincere appreciation for the experience he had with Harrison.
In a more serious tone, Blackmore revealed that Harrison had a close friendship with Deep Purple bandmates Jon Lord and Ian Paice.
Harrison, who happened to be in Australia at the same time as Deep Purple, made a humble request: “Can I get up on stage with you and use your guitar?”
Blackmore, flattered by the offer, gladly accepted. “Of course,” he said. “I was flattered.”
That night, they played a cover of Little Richard’s rock ‘n’ roll classic, “Lucille.”
The performance was a memorable one for Blackmore, who described the ex-Beatle as “a very nice man, very serious, and very complimentary.”
Reflecting on the experience, Blackmore admitted, “It was very overwhelming to play with a Beatle. There will never be another band like The Beatles.”
The Beatles’ influence clearly resonated with Blackmore, as it did with many of his peers in the rock scene.
Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler also recently shared his admiration for the Fab Four, noting how they sparked hope for British musicians.
Before The Beatles, most rock music had come from the U.S., but their success showed British bands they could thrive as well.
“As soon as The Beatles were successful, then you had The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Who, Herman’s Hermits, a whole explosion of British pop music,” Butler explained.
The chance to share a stage with George Harrison was a rare and overwhelming experience for Blackmore.
Even as a seasoned guitarist who shaped rock music for a generation, playing alongside a member of The Beatles was something truly special.
